Week 5: The Spirit Comes as Fire
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1
Meditation Notes
The image of God’s presence as fire is found throughout the pages of Scripture. The image vividly portrays God’s holy presence—a consuming, refining, or illuminating presence. All of these facets are present in the image of the Holy Spirit’s descent on the disciples at Pentecost.
Another common reference to fire in the pages of Scripture is its role in taking a sacrifice and delivering it to God. Here too it fits what happens at Pentecost. Cleansed by the work of Christ, we have become a living sacrifice, holy and accepted by God!
The Fire O Spirit of my gracious Lord, here is my one desire: That you would take all that I am and with your Spirit’s fire— receive what is on altar laid, ignite with holy flame. I offer it—a sacrifice— to glorify your name. ~ Text: Len Kuyvenhoven
The Holy Spirit creates the passion of God in our hearts.
After the resurrection Jesus met up with two men as they were walking on the road to Emmaus. He heard them talk about what had happened in Jerusalem and explained to them how the Messiah had to suffer and die.
After they talk with him they invite him into their home and talk some more. When Jesus broke bread their eyes were opened and Jesus left them. They describe their hearts as “burning within us” (Luke 24:32).
After the apostles receive the Spirit at Pentecost, they have a passion that lasts a lifetime and impels them to speak the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31).
We as Christ’s followers who received the Holy Spirit have been empowered and sent to share the good news with passion.
What privilege, what joy, what blessing.
